EP Review: Servant Leader – Raised By Wolves – Part 2 (Leighviathan)

Carl Fisher 2 min read

Servant Leader is the solo project of Leigh Oates critically acclaimed vocalist with Xilla, Order of Voices, Soldierfield, Rise to Addiction and Ninedenine. Leigh releases ‘Raised by Wolves – Part 2’ on May 7th 2021 – this comes a year after Part 1 was released to great success.

Says Leigh:

I wanted to release this material between my band endeavours and share it with you, this is just my take on things, all me, I’ve taken on all the song writing and playing duties as well as the production – just a great fun project for a musician! if it makes me rich then great if not it’s been the best fun trying…

Combining the grungy hard rock sound of early Alice in Chains, the alternative stylings of Soundgarden and the head-banging groove of Stone Temple Pilots. Servant Leader is an intriguing proposition that sits uncomfortably in the hard rock and alternative genres. Uncomfortably because it’s the simplest summation of a sound that isn’t quite what it is but it’s as close as you can get to describing just what your mind is hearing.

With five tracks on offer here, it’s fast, groovy and slightly frantic with the chorus-driven title track and heavy riffs of Head Over Heart. The real star? The vocals. Leigh Oates is a unique sounding vocalist and one with a ton of talent. So very listenable and while, the guitars and drums are solid gold, it’s impossible to not focus on his voice.

Buy Me a Coffee at ko-fi.com

Coming Down has a bit more melodrama but it still powerful as hell, the chorus in particular raises the spirits. Words Fail then brings back the peppy step in the rhythm while still having the chunky depth that has been prevalent throughout. A personal favourite thanks to how easy it is to head-bang too.

Finally, this excellent EP wraps up with Yearn. A grungy hard rock drawl that feels like moving through treacle that is getting thicker by the second. The encouragement to keep moving on, the glorious power of Leigh’s vocals and the incredibly upbeat finish. Wonderful.

Servant Leader – Raised by Wolves – Part 2 Full Track Listing:

1. Raised by Wolves
2. Head Over Heart
3. Coming Down
4. Words Fail
5. Yearn




Links

Website | Instagram

Author

  • Owner/Administrator/Editor/Writer/Interviewer/YouTuber - you name it, I do it. I love gaming, horror movies, and all forms of heavy metal and rock. I'm also a Discworld super-fan and love talking all things Terry Pratchett. Do you wanna party? It's party time!

Servant Leader - Raised By Wolves - Part 2 (Leighviathan)
  • The Final Score - 9/10
    9/10
Sending
User Review
0/10 (0 votes)